England’s DR Congo test leaves Tuchel with right-back and fitness calls

England face DR Congo in Atlanta in the last 32 of the World Cup, and Thomas Tuchel’s first knockout match as England manager comes with immediate selection pressure. Injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah have left right-back as the clearest problem area before the tie.

Djed Spence appears central to the discussion after being used during the group stage, while Trevoh Chalobah and Ezri Konsa are listed as alternatives in a thinner-than-planned defensive pool. With Konsa also relevant at centre-back and Chalobah yet to feature in the tournament, the final call at full-back could shape England’s balance on that side.

The tactical issue is just as important. DR Congo are described, using FIFA data cited by the source, as spending more than half their out-of-possession time in a low-to-mid block, which may reduce the space England’s wide players and Harry Kane can attack. That puts more emphasis on sharper final actions, set pieces and Kane’s presence in the penalty area rather than relying only on his deeper link play.

Tuchel also has decisions around midfield and the front line. Jude Bellingham impressed against Panama with a goal and an assist, but Declan Rice’s expected return after a calf complaint could alter his role. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are in contention to continue out wide, though Saka’s managed minutes and recent fitness background remain part of the wider picture.

There is also scrutiny on Jordan Pickford after an uneven start to the tournament, including concerns raised around his decision-making and shot-stopping metrics. For England, the immediate question is not only who starts, but whether Tuchel can find the right mix of control, width and penalty-box threat against an opponent likely to defend in numbers.